15 angling platforms at South Bank Of River Nene West End Park, City Road, March

“The applicant has stated that the proposed angling platforms will be made from recycled plastic and will be set along the southern riverbank. The platforms will be fixed using hand-driven timber posts.”

“The proposed platforms will extend some 1.2 metres from the riverbank. The platforms with have a height of some 0.25 metres above the river. The width of the platforms will be some 1.5 metres.”

“SITE DESCRIPTION 1.1 The application site is a strip of land on the South Bank of the River Nene in March. The river is adjacent to West End Park, whereby the proposed angling platforms will be accessed from.”

“The site is located within March Conservation Area, and there are a number of Listed Buildings located on West End, which are on the opposite bank of the river, directly to the north of the application site.”

“Supporting Comments Officer Response Would make fishing a more comfortable experience. Please see ‘Health and Wellbeing’ section of this report. March Town stretch of the Old Nene is highly regarded and known as probably the best winter natural venue in the country. Please see ‘Health and Wellbeing’ section of this report. Access is a drawback of the location – the proposal would improve this. Please see ‘Health and Wellbeing’ section of this report.”

“Objecting Comments Officer Response Loss of privacy – gardens and properties. Please see ‘Residential Amenity’ section of this report. Antisocial behaviour on the platforms. Please see ‘Residential Amenity’ section of this report. Noise disturbance. Please see ‘Residential Amenity’ section of this report. Increase in litter. Please see ‘Residential Amenity’ section of this report. Wildlife disturbance. Please see ‘Ecology’ section of this report. Maintenance concerns.”

“Proposed by Councillor Rackley, seconded by Councillor Imafidon to grant planning permission as per the officer’s recommendation, which was not supported on a vote by the majority.”

“Proposed by Councillor Marks, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and agreed that the application be DEFERRED to obtain clarification on the maintenance of the river and banks and management of the scheme from MLC and the applicant, with MLC being invited to attend the meeting when it is brought back to committee.”